Authorities are not saying what caused Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper Jacob Daymon to slam into Corey and Amy Waldman’s motorcycle on US 35 at 9:45 pm on August 17th of this year. Just released dashcam footage shows Daymon didn’t slow or even appear to see the couple before the crash.

There’s no audio to this video, but its been speculated that Daymon must have been distracted, either from texting or looking down at something in his cruiser.

Fortunately both riders are going to live, although Amy Waldlan required emergency helicopter transportation to the local trauma unit to save her life.

At this time Daymon has not been charged with anything and wasn’t even interrogated until 4 days after the accident.

A study in the journal Injury Prevention found motorcyclists over the age of 60 are three times more likely to be hospitalized after a crash than their younger counterparts.

The study analysed data between 2001 to 2008 from the US National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) which collects information from 100 US hospitals which have an A&E.

During this period about 1.5 million adults over the age of 20 needed emergency treatment due to a motorcycle crash.

Bikers over the age of 60 were three times more likely to be admitted to hospital compared with those in their 20s and 30s – and two-and-a-half times more likely to sustain a serious injury.

The authors of the study said: “The greater severity of injuries among older adults may be due to the physiological changes that occur as the body ages, bone strength decreases, fat distribution may change and there is a decrease in the elasticity of the chest wall.

“Other factors such as a delayed reaction time, altered balance and worsening vision may also make older adults more prone to crashing.”

5. Sons of Anarchy T-Shirt. Chances are you, or someone you know is a fan of the FX drama, Sons of Anarchy. OK.. we hear you..we don’t watch “those” fake biker shows either. But, the truth is, somebody out there is watching…and a whole lot of somebody. According to Entertainment Weekly, in the second month of last season, 4.6 million viewers tuned in and the showw was up 14 percent from last week and ranking as the fifth season’s best rating since last month’s premiere. So click the link, buy the shirt and gift it to that hard to buy for biker in your family.

4. St. Christopher Ride With Me Pendant. $29.00 (on sale was $50) We’re not superstitious, but we also believe that having a good luck talisman never hurt anyone, wether it’s ride bells or an image of St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. It’s one of the best “neutral” gifts you can give the motorcycle rider in your family. It’s the right size and color, and you don’t have to remember which brand they ride.

3. DIY Neon Lights: While we believe the best looking neon lights are the ones installed by the professionals, this do-it-yourself kit for $60 is a great way for the gear head on a budget to light up his or her ride. Again, this gift is “brand neutral” and will work equally well on Harley-Davidsons Road Kings or Yamaha sport bikes. Comes with two 5 Inch, Two 6 Inch, and Two 12 Inch Flexible, Waterproof Strips, 1 Year Limited Warranty and Free Lifetime Technical Support

2.Battery Tender I know we’re harping on this “brand” neutral theme, but frankly, it seems the best selling Christmas gifts for bikers are the ones that can be used by all riders. The Battery Tender is a gift that will be appreciated by gear heads of all types. Whether he or she owns a motorcycle, boat, RV or ATV, anything that tends to sit idle for long periods of time will fall victim to a dead battery if it isn’t “tended.” At $34.00, this gift will be appreciated for years to come.

1. Go Pro Hero CameraThe best selling, best loved gift of any motorcyclist is the Go Pro Hero camera. Pair this with the optional wi-fi backpack / remote combo and you will never miss another “gotcha moment.” We know riders who mount this camera on their handlebars and shoot video as they ride for use in the unfortunate event some idiot pulls out in front of them and they need evidence to show the road conditions, their speed and the fact that the driver should have easily seen them coming. Other carry it to Sturgis, and Daytona for “video” reference of their adventures.

Conyers, GA , July 9th, 2011– Bikers and motorsports enthusiasts are always trying to set world records but they are usually speed related. Not this weekend! Mountain Motorsports in Conyers GA is hosting a record-setting event to establish the record for the world’s largest safety presentation!

Steven Zarbatany, President of Motorcycle Training Institute, Inc. (MTII.com), one of the event’s sponsors says “As a safety-oriented organization, we’re excited to be involved in this event! As bikers, safety — as well as fun – is always on our minds, and we’re pleased to see so many people willing to participate.”

Alicia “AJ” Jones, of #1 Stunnas Motorsports Group, the organizer of the event says she got the idea by wanting to set SOME type of non-speed record but the Guinness Book of World Records was crowded with records. After speaking with the people at Guinness Book she contacted Dr. Mike Cosgrove of MTII and together they planned this event. Says AJ “All motorcycles are welcome, as are 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, cars and trucks. This event is really open to just about any land-based vehicle with an engine. We are hoping to gather in excess of 500 bikes and other vehicles.”

Zarbatany, who runs Florida’s largest motorcycle training school and who is an industry leader hopes that by bringing safety to the forefront, drivers will be more alert and aware of motorcycles when behind the wheel. He is hoping that these types of events are duplicated in other areas.

We all meet someone that touches our lives and makes a difference to people without even knowing. I’d like to share with you someone just like that. JD is following a dream and I want to help spread the word with your help. James Applegate was born in Carmicheal, California and now lives with his family in El Dorado Hills, California. He’s a family man that believes in God and is always trying to help someone else.

“JDA Out of Nowhere” is James Applegate who is happily married to Kelly. They have three wonderful children, Landon age 14, Amber age 14 and Makayla age 12.

JD’s love of music has made him work hard and pursue making a CD of his music. He has 13 songs ready to go. Unfortunately he’s had to slow down on his musical career because of uncontrolled financial problems.

A Few of JDA’s songs:

“HARLEY MAN” which is a theme song for both the male and female riders around the world that ride motorcycles of any type. This song will eventually have a new video that will honor the Patriot Guard or another group.

“12 STEPS CLOSER” is dedicated to all those that have fought any addiction and are winning, from illegal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, porn, gambling etc. JD has a compassion for those with addictions but only when they understand the need to take back the control of their life. JD knows the road to recovery will be a tough one but if he can help he will. He also feels that an essential part of this is a mentor; someone who has walked a similar path and found a destination of recovery.

“WHO I BE” is a song for every farmer and rancher of the world or those that just respect those that live this life. This is a country music anthem that flows like a rap song. It has fast paced lyrics that will make you move.

“2 AM BEAUTY QUEEN” is just a down home fun from song to video.

Please share JDA’s music with others. He loves to write, produce and sing and he’s finished his first book which will be coming out in 2011.

JDA and his wife, Kelly love to ride. They’ve also been on charity rides and some of those they lead the rides.

JDA would like to give thanks to those that have already shown support for his music. Thank you to all of his Face book friends, especially Gino Dipierro of Hamilton Family Radio in New Jersey who has played all his songs on his radio show. Lori Hazelman who has taken his music to Australian radio. JDA would also like to thank the stations in Norway, Nederlands, Chile and Pratica Radiophilia that has made his music popular in Los Angeles. He will always thank those that help and never forget those that believe in him and helping him in this journey.

Do a search of JDA Out Of Nowhere on you tube to hear all these songs. You can also find JDA on Face book. Thank you for spreading the word about a biker following his dream!

Chances are you’ve seen Jerry Caballero around Killeen if something resembling a Volkswagen Beetle and a Harley-Davidson passed you on the road and you said “What the heck was that?” Caballero, 65, is the creator of one of the more unique vehicles to roam Killeen’s streets.

It’s a piecemeal trike that is all Harley-Davidson on the front end and all Volkswagen Beetle in the back. He refers to his creation as “Red” or “El Diablo.” The 14-foot trike is a Frankenstein. From the ashes of wrecked and junked vehicles, Red emerged. It is a combination between a 1979 Volkswagen Beetle convertible Caballero picked up from a junk yard, the front end of a 1985 Harley, a fender from a 2003 bike, and a 2002 gas tank from a wrecked motorcycle.

Add to it some custom upholstery from Ick’s, homemade handle bars he welded in his backyard and a caliente red paint job, and Caballero created a vehicle that combines two of his passions — motorcycles and VW Beetles.

“I tell people I had a nightmare, and this is the result,” he said.

Caballero began driving Beetles in the ’60s. His first was a 1955. Since then he’s owned several VW buses. But all the while, he also rode motorcycles. When his shoulders and back began to give him problems, Caballero knew he couldn’t ride as much as he liked.

“In my mind, I had to come up with something that would be easier to turn,” he said.

That’s when he created his first trike, a 1989 Honda Goldwing he converted with a kit. He liked it so much, trikes became “a lifestyle” to Caballero. He now belongs to the Brotherhood of the Third Wheel. “We’re bikers, but we’re getting older,” Caballero said. Caballero sometimes refers to the trike as a Harley V-Wagon. He actually tried to register it as that with the state. Officials wouldn’t have it. Instead, Red is registered as a “2010 assembled vehicle,” which does the trike little justice.

Caballero said much credit must be given to shop owners who enthusiastically embraced his unique vision. He is the president of Cen-Tex Road Riders, chairman of Tri-County Toy Run and a member of the American Legion Post 133. The armed forces remain near and dear to Caballero. He is a retired Master Sergeant from the 1st Cavalry Division. He worked in Veterans Affairs after his service. Now he is one of the last people to send off soldiers before they deploy. This week Caballero will spend each day sending off soldiers as they deploy as a volunteer for the Red Cross.

Five questions for Caballero

What’s your favorite book? “Phantom” — Book 11 of Terry Goodkind’s series The Sword of Truth

Mazatlan International Bike Week 2011 takes place April 27 – May 1. I know it’s a short deadline; however, I thought your online readers might be interested in this premier event that draws more than 15,000 bikers and enthusiasts from across North America and Mexico.

This year’s 16th annual Bike Week features an action-packed lineup of activities that range from bike parades, stunt exhibitions, drag races, custom bike competitions, accessories and apparel expos. There’s also live music concerts, family entertainment, local restaurant sponsors, free contests and giveaways. For more information, visit GoMazatlan.com. You can also contact Christie Gregovich at christie.gregovich@ypartnership.com for details.

With state budgets shrinking, tourism departments across the nation are seeking novel ways to lure travelers this summer.

Arkansas is leading the charge by combining history and motorcycling with a tie in to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. They’re hoping a new Heritage Trail created to make battle sites easily accessible by motorcycle will give them a much needed bump in visitors to the state.

Eight Civil War campaigns in the southern state are designated on the trail produced by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

A brochure with a map lays out how those on motorcycle can visit the battle sites and pay tribute to the men who lost their lives in the Civil War by traveling along similar routes as those taken by the troops.

The first 1,000 bikers to travel on all eight routes will get a commemorative “I Rode the Civil War Trail Arkansas” patch. Their road trip will also be chronicled on the state’s tourism website, state tourism officials said.

The state’s Civil War sites include Prairie Grove, one of the most intact Civil War battlefields in the nation, where Union and Confederate troops saw intense fighting on Dec. 7, 1862.

Other trails featured on the map for motorcyclists lead to Pea Ridge and follow the Little Rock Campaign, the Attack on Pine Bluff, the Confederate Approach to Helena, the Camden Expedition, Price’s Raid and Ozark to the Battle of Fayetteville.

Motorcycle tourism is a popular way to explore rural locations around the United States and states are urging businesses to become biker-friendly by opening up spots designated for motorcycles and creating patches and stickers for enthusiasts’ gear.

The Arkansas effort was announced at the 37th annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

Members of the Maddox and Long families, including (left to right) Pam Maddox, Mallory Long, Jami Long, Andrew Long, Mike Maddox and Brian Long – along with hundreds of their friends in the motorcycle community – recently rumbled in to MCGHealth Children's Medical Center to present a donation of nearly $8,500 in memory of Kelsi Elizabeth Long.

Augusta, Ga. – More than 200 motorcyclists rumbled in to MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center during the Ninth Annual Kelsi Long Memorial Ride. The ride is organized by Mike and Pam Maddox in memory of their granddaughter Kelsi Long, who had Down syndrome and was stillborn.

This year’s fundraiser brought in more than $8,500 in donations for critical care needs at MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center. To date, the fundraiser has provided more than $70,000 for the area’s only children’s hospital.